From Madison to Madison: LJ Cross Line Pops Up at JANGEORGe in Sag Harbor

It has been quite the banner year for interior designer turned jewelry designer Lisa Jackson. After opening her flagship LJ Cross boutique on Madison Avenue in Manhattan in late 2014, the designer has announced her expansion to the East End via JANGEORGe on Madison Street in Sag Harbor where she will be showcasing her LJ Cross jewelry line as a summer pop up.

In a nod to her discerning aesthetic Jackson counts a number of other A-list designers as fans of her line including Vera Wang, Nicole Miller, and Dennis Basso. As for the line itself it was inspired by Jackson’s late brother who wore crosses every day as well as, she says, her many years of collecting costume cross jewelry.

The fine jewelry line has since its inception centered around crosses set in rose and white gold, with pave diamonds ranging in price from $750 to $120,000 and it now also includes other lifestyle items.

We chatted with the designer to find out more.

Can you tell us a little bit about your background?
I am an interior designer and previously worked for clients such as Vera Wang, Tory Burch, Renee Zellweger, Michael J. Fox, and the Blackstone Group. I am also the owner of Lucca & Company, a lifestyle showroom defined by the Belgian aesthetic – think linen sofas, bleached floors and pale walls with strong 18th century architectural antiques as accents.

What made you decide to get into jewelry after so much success in interior design?
LJ Cross is really an homage to my late brother.  He was super stylish and always wore crosses so it was a natural creative path. Our brand started with fine jewelry and now also includes furs, clutches, scarves and home accessories. 

Has you experience in interior design helped you with this new endeavor?
Yes, all design is a process. One is always taking into account scale, proportion, texture and quality. The jewelry is an extension of my modern, minimal aesthetic.

What are some of the biggest challenges when it comes to designing and manufacturing your pieces?
Uniqueness is critical so I am always looking for inspiration for the next collection. Each piece is hand-made; it is a constant challenge to maintain the organic quality and sense of hand that is pivotal to the design of each piece. As I work with my craftsmen in New York I am able to tweak and perfect the pieces.

Have you been coming to the Hamptons for a long time?
I have summered in Southampton for as long as I can remember.

How did you decide to partner with JANGEORGe?
We share a similar clean forward thinking sensibility. It was a match from day one. We all are tireless and energetic in our pursuit of modern design. 

Can you tell us a little bit about what we can expect?
JANGEORGe usually has a small collection of our fine jewelry but on Saturday we will be showing our summer beach collection including straw hats, canvas beach bags, cover ups and of course diamonds for the beach.

What are some of your favorite pieces?
I live in my white gold diamond cobblestone wide band ring and Stevie crosses. 

Favorite Hampton spots?
Surfing at Ditch Plains Beach.

Dining al fresco at Tutto il Giorno, Sag Harbor.

Shopping at JANGEORGe and Bloom in Sag Harbor.

Tennis and golf followed by sunset cocktails at the Bathing Corp.